Systems and methods for providing a ballet barre

ABSTRACT

The described systems and methods relate to ballet barres. In particular, some implementations relate to systems and methods for providing a ballet barre having one or more translucent components, such as one or more translucent cross bars. In some implementations, the described ballet barre, with or without one or more translucent components, comprises one or more components that are powder coated. Additional implementations are discussed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/148,996, filed Feb. 12, 2021, and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A BALLET BARRE” (Attorney Docket No. 23338.3); the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The described systems and methods relate to ballet barres. In particular, some implementations relate to systems and methods for providing a ballet barre having one or more translucent components, such as one or more translucent cross bars. In some implementations, the described ballet barre, with or without one or more translucent components, comprises one or more components that are powder coated.

Background and Related Art

A barre is a stationary handrail that provides support for people during various types of exercise. Banes are often used extensively in ballet training and warm up exercises, where such exercises are commonly referred to as barre work. In a ballet class, the term barre may also refer to the part of the class that involves barre work. That said, barres are also used for barre fitness programs, such as Xtend barre and other exercise programs.

A portable barre often includes a handrail mounted onto a rigid or adjustable, free-standing supporting structure. Barre handrails and supports are typically made of metal, wood, or a combination of these materials. Additionally, freestanding ballet barres are not intended to hold one's weight especially when pulling or pushing against the barre. Moreover, the barre should not be used as a crutch. Indeed, in many cases, downward weight on a bar is alright, as that force should not push the barre over.

While there are a wide variety of barres that are available, many barres have shortcomings. Indeed, some barres can be dented or otherwise damaged relatively easily. Moreover, some barres can have a relatively short lifespan. Moreover, some conventional barres have one or more characteristics that make their use less than ideal.

Thus, while techniques currently exist that are used to provide ballet barres, challenges still exist, including those listed above. Accordingly, it would be an improvement in the art to augment or even replace current techniques with other techniques.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The described systems and methods relate to ballet barres. In particular, some implementations relate to systems and methods for providing a ballet barre having one or more translucent components, such as one or more translucent cross bars. In some implementations, the described ballet barre, with or without one or more translucent components, comprises one or more components that are powder coated.

While the described ballet barre can comprise any suitable component, in some cases, it includes a first vertical support, a second vertical support, and at least one cross bar that is coupled to and that extends between the two vertical supports. While the vertical supports can be coupled directly to a floor, wall, and/or any other suitable support, in some cases, each vertical support is coupled to a foot. Thus, in some cases, the described barre is configured to be self-supporting.

Where the described bar comprises one or more components that are translucent and/or transparent, any suitable component of the described barre can comprise a translucent/transparent element, including, but not limited to, the vertical supports, the cross bars, the feet, coupling components, and/or any other suitable component. In some cases, however, one or more of the cross bars comprise a transparent material.

Where a portion of the described barre is transparent (e.g., one or more cross bars), the transparent material can comprise any suitable transparent material that is sufficiently rigid for use with the described bar. In this regard, some non-limiting examples of such materials include, one or more acrylic materials, polycarbonate materials, hardened glass, glass-clad polycarbonates, ceramics, polymers, plastics, aluminum oxynitride, glass polymer laminates, and/or any other suitable material. Indeed, in some cases, one or more cross bars (and/or any other suitable component of the described barre) comprises a transparent acrylic.

The various components of the described barre can be coupled together in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, via one or more elbow joints, tee joints, threaded couplers, fasteners (e.g., bolts, pins, nails, rivets, and/or other suitable fasteners), adhesives, friction fittings, mechanical couplers, and/or in any other suitable manner. In some cases, however, a top cross bar is coupled to the first and second vertical supports via one or more elbow joints, a lower cross bar is coupled to the first and/or second vertical supports via one or more tee joints, and/or the vertical supports are coupled to one or more feet in any suitable manner (e.g., via one or more tee joints).

Whether or not the described barre includes one or more translucent and/or transparent materials, in some cases, any suitable component of the described barre (including, but not limited to, the vertical supports, the cross bars, the feet, coupling components, and/or any other suitable component of the described barre) comprises one or more powder coatings.

In some cases, instead of having a first and/or second vertical support, one or more of the described cross bars (e.g., translucent cross bars and/or powder coated cross bars) are coupled to a wall, a minor, and/or any other suitable support. In this regard, the described cross bar can be coupled to the support in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, via one or more handrail brackets, ball tees, elbow joints, tee joints, hand railing fittings, structural pipe fittings, straps, railing flanges, and/or any other suitable coupling or couplings.

Although in some cases, one or more of the described cross bars have their height permanently fixed with respect to the vertical supports, in some other cases, a height of one or more of the cross members is configured to be selectively raised and/or lowered (e.g., via one more clamping mechanisms, ratchet mechanisms, pawls, pins, frictional couplings, actuators (e.g., motors, pistons, and/or any other suitable actuators), and/or any other suitable mechanism or mechanisms).

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above recited and other features and advantages of the present invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings (including, without limitation, any measurements, wording, specifications, images, quantities, and other information provided therein) depict only representative embodiments of the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a ballet barre comprising a translucent cross bar;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a coupling for a cross bar;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a representative embodiment of the coupling for the cross bar;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a ballet barre comprising at least one powder coated component;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a representative embodiment of the described ballet barre;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a representative embodiment of the described ballet barre; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a representative embodiment of the described ballet barre.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The described systems and methods relate to ballet barres. In particular, some embodiments relate to systems and methods for providing a ballet barre having one or more transparent and/or translucent components, such as one or more translucent cross bars. In some implementations, the described ballet barre, with or without one or more translucent components, comprises one or more components that are powder coated.

The following disclosure of the present invention is grouped into two subheadings, namely “TRANSLUCENT BARRE” and “POWDER COATED BARRE.” The utilization of the subheadings is for convenience of the reader only and is not to be construed as limiting in any sense.

Translucent Barre

While there are many barres available, some conventional bars have shortcomings. Indeed, in one example, many of the free-standing ballet barres currently available feature cross bars that are made of wood or aluminum or other materials that inhibit the ability to view their users' form through the cross bars. In this regard, when practicing barre exercises or ballet, form is important. Moreover, when working with an instructor, or on one's own with a mirror, the cross bar can obstruct the instructor's or user's view of the user's hip area, shoulders, and more.

As another example, in some conventional barres, fittings and hardware that protrude from the barre can be hazardous and cause accidents and injury. Moreover, sharp edges can cause stubbed toes, scratches, bruising, or worse. In this regard, users are regularly performing large dynamic movements with and around the barre. Accordingly, apparel could easily “catch” on anything that is not flush and/or that sticks out from the apparatus in any way. In some cases, the user could also bump or strike a hand, foot, or shoulder on a protruding object and knock over or trip over the barre—causing an accident and/or potential injury.

Additionally, many conventional free-standing ballet barres are made of materials that can chip and dent relatively easily, such as wood or aluminum.

Furthermore, some conventional barres are made for function and do not properly take space allocation or aesthetics into account. In this regard, such conventional barres can be unwieldy, bulky, and/or ungainly. When it comes to at home use or in-studio use, oversized, large, and bulky barres can be highly undesirable. Additionally, some studios need space for multiple users, and home users typically do not have large areas—or the desire—for a cumbersome, oversized object.

Many conventional barres include bright colors, large and cumbersome fittings, and/or are simply unattractive. Some are adorned with large branded logos. The purpose of a stand-alone ballet barre can be to practice ballet or barre exercise programming in the home or in a studio. In this regard, it can be beneficial when aesthetics and appearance align with the elegance of the practice.

As another example of a shortcoming associated with some conventional barres, while it is important for the barres to be stable, some conventional barres are wobbly, unstable, and uneven.

In contrast with many conventional barres, the described ballet barre can have one or more features. While the described ballet barre can comprise any suitable component, FIG. 1 shows that, in some embodiments, the described ballet barre 100 includes a first vertical support 105, a second vertical support 110, a first cross bar 115, that is coupled to and that extends between the two vertical supports, a second cross bar 120 that is coupled to and that extends between the two vertical supports, and/or any other suitable component. Additionally, while the vertical supports can be coupled directly to a floor, wall, and/or any other suitable support, FIG. 1 shows that, in some embodiments, each vertical support (e.g., 105 and 110) is coupled to a foot (e.g., 125 and/or 130).

Where the described barre 100 comprises one or more components that are translucent and/or transparent, any suitable component of the described barre can comprise a translucent/transparent element, including, but not limited to, the vertical supports (105 and/or 110), the cross bars (115 and/or 120), the feet (125 and/or 130), coupling components (135, 140, etc.), and/or any other suitable component. In some embodiments, however, FIG. 1 shows that one or more of the cross bars 115 and/or 120 comprise a transparent material.

Where a portion of the described barre 100 is transparent (e.g., one or more cross bars 115 120; vertical supports, couplers, and/or any other suitable portion of the barre), the transparent material can comprise any suitable transparent material that is sufficiently rigid for use with the described barre. In this regard, some non-limiting examples of such materials include, one or more acrylic materials, polycarbonate materials, hardened glass, glass-clad polycarbonates, ceramics, polymers, plastics, aluminum oxynitride, glass polymer laminates, and/or any other suitable material. Indeed, in some cases, one or more cross bars (and/or any other suitable component of the described barre) comprises a transparent acrylic.

In some embodiments in which the described barre 100 has one or more cross bars 115 and/or 120 and/or other components that are fully translucent, the user (e.g., via a mirror) and/or an instructor is able to view the user's entire body at almost all times to ensure proper form. This can be helpful for the user when it comes to obtaining desired results. In some cases, by having a transparent cross bar, the described barre can help a user's form be monitored and improved and can thus decrease risk of injury that can be caused by practicing poor form.

In accordance with some embodiments, acrylic (and/or any other suitable material described herein) is also a harder and/or more durable material than wood, aluminum, and/or one or more other metals that are used on conventional cross bars. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the described cross bars 115 and/or 120 and/or other suitable components will not chip, dent, or become damaged relatively easily, and can last longer than some conventional barres.

The various components of the described barre 100 can be coupled together in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, via one or more elbow joints, tee joints, threaded couplers, fasteners (e.g., bolts, pins, nails, rivets, and/or other suitable fasteners), adhesives, friction fittings, mechanical couplers, and/or in any other suitable manner. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the top cross bar 115 is coupled to the first 105 and second 110 vertical supports via one or more elbow joints 140, a lower cross bar 126 is coupled to the first 105 and/or second 110 vertical supports via one or more tee joints 135, and/or the vertical supports 105 and 110 are coupled to one or more feet 125 and/or 130 in any suitable manner (e.g., via one or more couplers 145).

Indeed, in accordance with some embodiments, elbow fittings and couplers are used versus screws and/or various other hardware that protrudes, inhibits use of the apparatus, and/or that can even cause injury. Thus, in accordance with some embodiments, the described barre's outer surfaces are relatively smooth and flush, with no rough parts sticking out. This can also be aesthetically more satisfying, and it can be less bulky and obtrusive within an environment, than are some conventional barres.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the described barre 100 is sturdy and well made, with acrylic, aluminum, plastic, and/or any other suitable material for the pipes, bars, feet, fittings, couplers, and/or other components. In some cases, the vertical supports 105 and 110 are fabricated from transparent and/or translucent materials as well as the feet/bases 125 and/or 130.

Aesthetically speaking, some embodiments of the described barre 100 are less intrusive within an environment (e.g., a home, a studio, etc.) than are some competing devices. Indeed, some embodiments of the described barre offer a pleasing, refined, and/or elegant alternative to some conventional barres.

In accordance with some embodiments, the described barre 100 is thoughtfully designed with a relatively small footprint and is manufactured specifically to take less space and to be unobtrusive in an environment than are some competing devices. Moreover, while some conventional barres are bulky and unwieldy, some embodiments of the described barre 100 are the opposite. Indeed, in some such embodiments, the described barre has been designed to accommodate virtually any barre and/or ballet training, while fitting beautifully into an environment.

In accordance with some embodiments, the described barre 100 is specifically designed to be highly functional, as well as to be a timeless piece of furniture. Indeed, in some embodiments, the described barre is beautiful in virtually any room in any home and/or in a studio. In some cases, the barre takes a relatively small footprint, is elegant, and is simple in design.

It should be noted that the described barre 100 can be made in any suitable color. In some non-limiting embodiments, however, the described barre and/or portions thereof are available in all gold, acrylic with gold fittings, and/or in gold with one or more acrylic cross bars 115 and/or 120.

The described barre 100 can be any suitable size. Indeed, in some embodiments, the described barre is between about 10 cm and about 5 m in length (or within any subrange thereof). Indeed, in some embodiments, the described barre is available in 36″ and 48″ lengths. Moreover, the described cross bar can be any suitable height, including, without limitation, between about 0.5 m and about 2 m in height (or within any subrange thereof). some embodiments, for instance, an overall height of the described barre is about 43″±10 inches. Additionally, the described barre can weigh any suitable amount, including, without limitation, weighing between about 2 lbs. and about 200 lbs, (or within any subrange thereof). Indeed, in some embodiments, the described barre weighs 27 lbs.±5 lbs.

Additionally, the various components of the described barre 100 can be any suitable size. Indeed, in some embodiments, one or more of the vertical supports 105 and/or 110 and/or the cross bars 115 and/or 120 have an outer diameter of between about 0.5 inches and about 2 inches (or within any subrange thereof). In some embodiments, however, one or more of the vertical supports 105 and/or 110 and/or the cross bars 115 and/or 120 have an outer diameter of about 1 inch±0.5 inches with corresponding pipe fittings and/or other couplers. In some embodiments, the transparent cross bars 115 and/or 120 comprise 1.25″ acrylic rods with 1″ metal pipe fittings that couple the cross bars to the vertical members. In some such embodiments, one or more metal supports and/or feet/bases are also used.

In addition to the aforementioned components, the described barre 100 can have any other suitable feature, including, without limitation, one or more rubber stoppers (e.g., on the bottom of each leg). In this regard, such stoppers can be any suitable size (e.g., 41 mm/33 mm, #8, and/or any other suitable size).

Additionally, while the various components can be coupled together via one or more adhesives, friction fittings, threaded couplings, fasteners, welds, mechanical engagements, and/or in any other suitable manner, in some embodiments, an Allen wrench is used to tighten one or more of the couplers and metals fittings down onto the pipes and/or rods.

Powder Coated Barre

Whether or not the described barre 100 includes one or more translucent and/or transparent materials and/or components, in some cases, any suitable component of the described barre (including, but not limited to, one or more of the vertical supports 105 and/or 110, the cross bars 115 and/or 120, the feet/bases 125 and/or 130, the coupling components (e.g., 135, 140, 145, and/or any other suitable couplings), and/or any other suitable component of the described barre) comprises one or more powder coatings. Indeed, in some embodiments, the vertical supports and/or couplers comprise a powder coating (see e.g., FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7). Moreover, in some embodiments, one or more of the cross bars comprise a powder coating (see e.g., FIGS. 3, 4, and 5).

Where one or more components of the described barre 100 are powder coated, the various components can be powder coated in any suitable manner. By way of non-limiting example, in some embodiments, one or more pieces of the described barre (e.g., metal pieces) are sandblasted, heated in an oven, sanded, etched, and/or sprayed with one or more powder coats on the hot metal and/or other suitable material. In some cases, after the component has been powder coated, the component then goes into an oven to be baked for a second time to cure. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more coatings (e.g., clear coatings and/or any other suitable coatings) is sprayed on and/or otherwise applied to the component. In some such embodiments, the component is then baked a third time, until the powder sets. Again, while any suitable portion of the described barre can be powder coated, in some embodiments, the feet, vertical supports, and/or couplers are fabricated, sandblasted, and/or powder coated for durability and ease of use.

Thus, as discussed herein, the described systems and methods relate to ballet barres. In particular, some embodiments relate to systems and methods for providing a ballet barre having one or more translucent components, such as one or more translucent cross bars. In some embodiments, the described ballet barre, with or without one or more translucent components, comprises one or more components that are powder coated.

The present systems and methods may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from their spirit or essential characteristics. The described systems, methods, embodiments, examples, and illustrations are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Any portion of any system, method, embodiment, example, implementation, illustration, component, characteristic, and/or other feature of the described systems and methods can be combined, mixed, and/or otherwise used with any other suitable portion of any other feature and in any suitable manner. For instance, the described advanced springs, coils, couplers, and/or any other feature or method described herein can be used with any other feature or method described herein, and in any suitable manner.

The scope of the described systems and methods is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. In addition, as the terms on, disposed on, attached to, connected to, coupled to, etc. are used herein, one object (e.g., a material, element, structure, member, etc.) can be on, disposed on, attached to, connected to, or coupled to another object—regardless of whether the one object is directly on, attached, connected, or coupled to the other object, or whether there are one or more intervening objects between the one object and the other object. Also, directions (e.g., front, back, on top of, below, above, top, bottom, side, up, down, under, over, upper, lower, etc.), if provided, are relative and provided solely by way of example and for ease of illustration and discussion and not by way of limitation. Where reference is made to a list of elements (e.g., elements a, b, c), such reference is intended to include any one of the listed elements by itself, any combination of less than all of the listed elements, and/or a combination of all of the listed elements. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms a, an, and one may each be interchangeable with the terms at least one and one or more. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A ballet barre comprising: a first vertical support; a second vertical support; and a first cross bar extending between the first vertical support and the second vertical support, wherein the first cross bar comprises a first translucent material.
 2. The ballet barre of claim 1, further comprising a second cross bar that extends between, and is coupled to, the first vertical support and the second vertical support, and wherein the second cross bar comprises a second translucent material.
 3. The ballet barre of claim 1, wherein the first cross bar comprises a transparent material.
 4. The ballet barre of claim 1, wherein the first cross bar comprises a transparent acrylic material.
 5. The ballet barre of claim 1, wherein an external surface of the first vertical support and an external surface of the second vertical support each comprise a powder coating.
 6. A ballet bar comprising a first vertical support; a second vertical support; and a first cross bar extending between the first vertical support and the second vertical support, wherein an external surface of the first vertical support and an external surface of the second vertical support each comprise a powder coating. 